Rouge Rundown – April 23, 2025: New Job | Earth Fest | Rain Gardens 101 | Paddle, Volunteer, & More!

Are you interested in learning the A, B, C’s of rain gardens?  This workshop is for you! Come find out about rain gardens and how you can build one in your yard. This one-hour introductory workshop is free and open to the public – everyone is welcome. 

Rain gardens reduce neighborhood flooding and basement backups, while adding beauty to your yard. Learn how you can protect your home and your Rouge River with a rain garden. 

April 26 at Plymouth Twp. Hall
May 3 at Dearborn Performing Arts Center

Get ready to celebrate Earth Day – for your Rouge community and the little pocket of Earth we all call home! You are invited for a fun-filled, totally free Earth Day celebration that brings together music, art, education, and community spirit—all in one!

When: Sunday, April 27th from 11 am – 2 pm!
Where: Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex, 650 Church St, Plymouth, MI 48170

Whether you’re passionate about protecting the planet or just looking for a great way to spend the day, there’s something for everyone at this all-ages event! Come as you are, bring your friends and family, and join your FOTR for a day that’s all about honoring your Earth and community. Let’s make this Earth Day one to remember—together!

Are you ready to refresh your yard this spring? Shop native Michigan plants with Friends! Michigan’s native plants look great, support the environment, save you time and money, and bring life back to your landscape. At the upcoming Native Plant sale, you’ll find a wide selection of Michigan’s beautiful plants—perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.

Order plants and rain barrels for pick up and then join the fun at the “same-day sale” for plant art, individual plants, trees, shrubs, and more on Saturday, May 17th at the Livonia Department of Public Works – 12973 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48150.

ORDER DEADLINE: Wed, April 30th

Do you hear that? The River is calling you. Enjoy spring on the water with Friends. Connect with your River. Enjoy the peace of nature. Join your Friends for an upcoming paddle trip! 

May 10: Spring Birding Paddle Trip with Detroit Bird Alliance. Discover the birds of the Rouge on Nankin Lake, in Hines Park. 

May 17:  Pride Paddle with the Queer Outdoors

Paddlers have the option to rent a canoe or kayak or bring their own boat. Please note, fees are due in advance for all attendees. 

You are invited to build a clean water future with Friends! Plant a beautiful new rain garden at  the Southfield Civic Center on May 10 or Golfview Park in Plymouth on May 31 and June 7! Rain gardens soak up the rain before it reaches the drain. These working gardens lessen local flooding, reduce water pollution, and provide critical butterfly and bird habitat. All ages and gardening experience welcome! Gloves, tools, and water will be provided.

Spend a spring morning in the gardens, followed by a potluck picnic and fun games! You’ll clean the gardens together with Friends to the tune of great music and conversation. Then, end your morning with a picnic next to the garden.

When: May 24 from 9 am – 12 pm
Where: Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex, 650 Church St, Plymouth, MI 48170

Learn about all the native plants in our gardens and seek out the pollinators that visit them! Look forward to fresh air, good company, games, music, and more! It will be a wonderful way to start your weekend!

The Spring Bug Hunt on April 12 had perfect weather, great turnout and FOTR’s executive director Ashley Flintoff leading a team for the first time!

Thank you to the 114 participants for participating in community science! The amazing bug hunters met at Schoolcraft College for refreshments and an introduction and then headed out to sample 29 sites in 15 teams. Thanks to wonderful volunteers, the Spring Bug Hunt provides information that is used to track the river’s health and screen for problems.

Ashley is fully embracing her role as executive director. She underwent bug hunt team leader training so that she is fully informed as she navigates leading our organization through these challenging times.

Look for a report on our findings in a few weeks and thank you to all who assisted.

Are you looking for a new position in 2025 and a way to make a real difference for a better world? Your Friends of the Rouge is looking for a full-time Volunteer Coordinator.  Click the button below to learn more about this opportunity.

Friends of the Rouge is in search of an auditing firm to perform its annual audit and prepare its 990 tax return for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2024. Proposals will be accepted from now until May 9, 2025.